Digestive & Immune

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Treatment in Greenville, SC

Hashimoto's thyroiditis treatment in Greenville, SC. Dr. Hendry addresses the autoimmune trigger and thyroid dysfunction together naturally. Call (864) 365-6156.

What Is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing progressive thyroid cell destruction and eventual hypothyroidism. It is the most common autoimmune disease and the most common cause of hypothyroidism in developed countries, affecting an estimated 14 million Americans — primarily women. Standard medical care typically addresses only the hormonal consequence (prescribing thyroid hormone) without addressing the underlying autoimmune process.

Common Symptoms

Fatigue and low energy — often the most prominent symptom

Weight gain and difficulty losing weight despite effort

Brain fog and difficulty concentrating

Depression and mood changes

Cold intolerance — feeling cold when others are comfortable

Hair thinning and loss, especially at the outer third of the eyebrows

Constipation and slowed digestion

Puffiness in the face, especially around the eyes, and swelling in the extremities

Root Causes: A Functional Medicine Perspective

Hashimoto's requires two components: genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers. The triggers most strongly implicated are: intestinal permeability (leaky gut) enabling thyroid antigen exposure to immune cells; iodine excess (particularly from iodine supplementation or high iodine diets) which can trigger autoimmune thyroiditis; selenium deficiency (selenium is essential for thyroid hormone metabolism and immune regulation in the thyroid); and molecular mimicry from gluten (the research on gluten and Hashimoto's is particularly compelling, with gliadin structurally resembling thyroid tissue).

EBV (Epstein-Barr virus) infection is now strongly linked to Hashimoto's onset — EBV can integrate into thyroid DNA and trigger autoimmune responses. Heavy metals, particularly mercury, disrupt thyroid function and immune regulation. Chronic stress activates the HPA axis in ways that dysregulate immune tolerance.

How We Treat Hashimoto's Thyroiditis at IHP

Dr. Hendry's Hashimoto's protocol addresses both the autoimmune process and the thyroid dysfunction it produces. A strict gluten-free trial (minimum 90 days) is universally recommended — multiple studies show significant reduction in TPO antibodies on a gluten-free diet. Selenium supplementation (200mcg/day) reduces thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies in Hashimoto's — one of the most evidence-based interventions in integrative thyroid care.

Gut healing protocols (eliminating intestinal permeability through dietary and supplemental interventions) reduce the autoimmune trigger. Thyroid hormone optimization — using comprehensive thyroid panel testing including free T3 and T4, not just TSH — ensures adequate cellular thyroid function beyond what standard lab 'normal ranges' guarantee. Acupuncture regulates immune function and supports thyroid health through neuroendocrine pathways.

Dr. Hendry's Approach

Dr. Hendry runs a comprehensive thyroid panel (not just TSH) for every patient suspected of thyroid dysfunction: TSH, free T3, free T4, reverse T3, TPO antibodies, and thyroglobulin antibodies. This complete picture allows him to both diagnose Hashimoto's that standard TSH testing misses and optimize thyroid function beyond the TSH-normal range that many patients find inadequate.

Treatments We Use for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Frequently Asked Questions About Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Can Hashimoto's antibodies be reduced?

Yes. Gluten elimination, selenium supplementation, vitamin D optimization, and gut healing can significantly reduce TPO and thyroglobulin antibodies — slowing or halting the autoimmune destruction of the thyroid. Some patients achieve complete antibody normalization.

Why does my doctor say my thyroid is normal when I feel terrible?

Standard TSH testing has a wide 'normal' range (0.5–4.5 mIU/L in most labs) that misses significant thyroid dysfunction. Many patients feel well only when TSH is between 1.0–2.0, and free T3 and T4 are in the upper half of their ranges. Dr. Hendry uses clinically optimal ranges, not just lab normal ranges.

Should I avoid iodine with Hashimoto's?

Iodine in excess can exacerbate Hashimoto's autoimmunity. Dr. Hendry recommends avoiding high-dose iodine supplementation while having Hashimoto's. Normal dietary iodine (from food sources) is generally fine. Selenium supplementation counterbalances iodine's potentially pro-inflammatory effects in Hashimoto's.

Is Hashimoto's the reason I can't lose weight?

Thyroid hormone deficiency profoundly slows metabolism, making weight loss nearly impossible even with caloric restriction and exercise. Optimizing free T3 levels — not just TSH — is essential for restoring metabolic rate and enabling weight management in Hashimoto's patients.

Do I need to take thyroid medication if I have Hashimoto's?

Not necessarily in early stages when the thyroid is still producing adequate hormone. As autoimmune destruction progresses, thyroid hormone supplementation typically becomes necessary. Dr. Hendry works with your prescribing physician to ensure your thyroid medication is appropriately dosed based on comprehensive panel values.